Wind farm is not welcome

PLANS to build the UK’s largest community windfarm on land owned by Chatsworth Estate have been opposed by residents.

Roseland Community Energy Trust – a group made up of representatives from community organisations around Bolsover – have submitted plans to Bolsover District Council, to build six turbines on a 450 acre site behind Roseland Wood, north of Glapwell, south and east of Palterton and near to the village of Scarcliffe.

John Hudson, the trust’s chief executive said that a minimum of £750,000 would be delivered back in to the community annually from revenue generated from the power. This money would be paid to his other business, LEO – a local enterpirse organisation supporting young businesses – to give services back to the community.

He said: “We know many community-based groups and organisations are finding it increasingly difficult to source adequate funding and strongly believe that income from the proposed wind farm could prove a lifeline for them.”

But members of PASCAG, the Palterton and Scarcliffe Community Action Group say their communities are strongly opposed to the plans.

Member, Alison Rodger, from Palterton, said: “The strength of feeling is almost 100 per cent anti windfarms in the community. Evidence of this was found in a recent door-to-door survey in the village of Palterton. This planned windfarm will devastate a conservation area, and ruin the views of three historic monuments.

She added: “What certainties have we that these giant scars on the countryside will be removed at the end of their life?”

The application will be considered by the council before the end of the year.